Valencia High School grad returns home to chase dream

Former Valencia High School student Brian Mundell is now the starting first basemen for the Lancaster Jethawks.

Mundell was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the seventh round of 2015 MLB June Amateur Draft after playing three seasons at Cal Polytechnic State University.

After spending a season with the Boise Hawks and Asheville Tourists and both affiliates of the Colorado Rockies, Mundell is now in his first season with the Jethawks.

Mundell grew up in Santa Clarita just an hour away from where he now plays in Lancaster. He talked about how beneficial it is for him to be playing so close to home.

“Being so close to home is great because I have so many people in the valley to come up and watch my games,” Mundell said. “Being able to see my family all the time and seeing them in the stands is great.”

He also talked about how growing up with all the competition in the Santa Clarita Valley really helped him develop into such a talented player. He talked about how players in other valleys don’t face the level of competition that you do in Santa Clarita so they sometimes don’t have as much success.

Mundell also said that playing with high profile players like Trey Williams and AJ Balta “helped him get recognition” from different schools.

With minor league players making small paychecks, Mundell explained how helpful “having free rent” can be. Since he has so many family members close to him, that is one expense he doesn’t have to worry about.

Although Mundell is very happy with his current situation, he is definitely not complacent.

“As a baseball player and as a competitor, you always want to get to the next level,” Mundell said as he talked about his goal of one day making it to the majors.

For now, Mundell will enjoy his time with his family and girlfriend but by next he hopes to move up to double or triple A.

You can watch Mundell and can the entire Jethawks team, for information login onto their website.